KIRTLAND – The battle for supremacy in Class 4A girls basketball will, once again, likely run through the same two teams which have combined to win the past four state championships.
Gallup and Kirtland Central High Schools girls basketball teams have made an appearance in the state championship game for each of the last six seasons. Combined that with a state championship bid in Class 5A in 2018 by Bloomfield, as well as a state championship game appearance by Shiprock in 2016 before winning it all in 2017, and you can easily see why District 1-4A is considered one of the most prolific of all districts in the state of New Mexico.
The Broncos, defending champions after winning the Class 4A title last March at the Pit, are currently one of the top-ranked teams in the state. With a record of 14-2 heading into district play this week, Kirtland Central is already considered one of the most dominant programs in America, boasting 21 state titles dating back to 1980, ranked fourth across the country for most state championships in the sport.
“A little more wins than I expected us to have, but the real season starts next week,” Manning said. “We’re trying to get as many wins as we can in our next 10 games. This was just preseason, now we’re in the real season.”
The Bengals, ranked atop the most recent polls by both Maxpreps and the New Mexico coaches poll, have been one of the fiercest rivals for Kirtland Central. The two teams have faced off 41 times since 2007, with the Broncos owning a 23-18 advantage in that series.
Gallup, with a record of 16-0 this season heading into district play, beat the Broncos 57-47 to capture the Class 4A title in 2023. Coached by Todd McBroom, Gallup is loaded with an experienced roster this season that has them looking very much like the team to beat in the district, as well as for the overall Class 4A title.
The first of two scheduled clashes between Kirtland Central and Gallup will take place Saturday night at Bronco Arena, with the second district battle between these teams slated for Saturday, Feb. 8.
Looking beyond those two teams, there is a plethora of talent around the district. Bloomfield and Aztec both have winning records during the non-district slate, while Shiprock and Miyamura are most likely to embrace the role of spoilers during the district portion of their respective schedules, which open on Tuesday night.
Players To Watch
Aztec High School junior Jazzlyn Gomez has averaged more than 10 points a game this season while recording more than 80 steals and 70 rebounds for the Tigers. She is the leader in Class 4A in steals across the state of New Mexico.
Kirtland Central sophomore Elaina Clani has recorded double digits in scoring in 10 games this season and is one of several weapons on the floor for the Broncos.
Bloomfield High School junior Delanna Russell is one of the top rebounders in Class 4A across the state this season. She is currently ranked third with 90 rebounds and has scored in double digits five times this season.
Important Dates in Girls 1-4A Basketball Schedule
Gallup at Kirtland Central, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Bloomfield at Gallup, Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m
Kirtland Central at Gallup, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
Aztec at Bloomfield, Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
More than 20 years have passed since a Class 4A team from San Juan County has captured the state championship. The Kirtland Central boys basketball team rattled off three straight titles from 2001 through 2003, when the Broncos beat Farmington by a score of 67-52 to bring home the blue trophy.
Not a single team from District 1-4A is represented among the top 16 teams in the state at that classification according to the most recent Maxpreps polling.
Once again, the race for the title in District 1-4 appears to be wide open. Each of the six teams in the district have legitimate claims for the title, but also have serious question marks going forward.
Shiprock, which opened the season with a pair of wins while hosting the Chieftain Invitational to kick off the season, have since lost 11 straight. Among those teams to top the Chieftains this season are defending Class 3A state champion Navajo Prep, who has two wins against Shiprock, as well as Piedra Vista, which escaped the Chieftain Pit with a 53-51 nail-biter.
Bloomfield appears to be going the other direction heading into district, having lost four of its last five games. The Bobcats, despite the losing record heading into district, have played some solid competition of late, losing by double digits to a highly-ranked Class 4A rival in St. Pius, as well as one of the top Class 3A teams in West Las Vegas.
Players to Watch
Shiprock senior Deon Harvey has quickly established himself as one of the leading scorers in District 1-4A. He scored 12 points against Piedra Vista and was the leading scorer with 26 points in a game against Farmington.
Bloomfield sophomore Elijah Cooks, currently the second leading scorer on the team, is averaging nearly nine points a game this season to go along with 50 rebounds and 26 assists.
Aztec senior Jaden Sims, who scored 24 points for the Tigers in a loss against Piedra Vista and had 19 points in a loss to Tohatchi, could very well be one of the more prolific scorers in the district.
Important Dates in Boys 1-4A Basketball Schedule
Aztec at Bloomfield, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Shiprock at Aztec, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.
Gallup at Shiprock, Friday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
Bloomfield at Aztec, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.